Ranching

I went back and forth on whether to post this or not. It's vulnerable and personal. It's also true. And if I think it might be able to help another family, I think it's worth it. So here goes.... Note: When I'm referring to the "conference", I'm referring to the Ranch Leadership & Dynamics: The People Part of Family Ranching Conference I'm hosting on Nov. 7 & 8, 2025 in Miles City, MT -- and no, that's not too far away....no matter where you live. Dear Ranchers, When my husb

Often, running a ranch feels like everyone is doing “a little bit of everything.” We aren't like big businesses - usually only one or a few people are wearing all the hats. And while that flexibility is valuable, it can also lead to confusion, miscommunication, and resentment, especially in family operations. That’s where an organizational chart comes in. An org chart isn’t just for corporations. It’s a simple, visual tool that shows who is responsible for what and the hierar

I know you've all been on the edge of your seat wondering what our resident cow diva cow is up to. She’s still out here living her best life. She is the bossiest cow I've ever seen! She spends a great deal of time giving every human the side-eye stare down when we're around. We just let her act like the Queen of the Ranch that she is. I know, call us enablers. Oh and… I wrote a children’s book about her! Lord knows she has enough personality to fill a whole series. Working on

There are lots of ranching families out there who have conflict, who don’t communicate, who don’t have a plan, and who are not in a healthy place with their family or their ranch. Yet, most of the families who need this conference the most won’t be the ones who sign up. These families are stuck in long-standing patterns of silence, pride, and fear, and it becomes either: A. Their comfort zone, meaning that change feels scarier than staying stuck; or B. Their unaware addiction

There is a certain kind of slow-burn frustration that comes from people who smile at you while secretly hoping you fall flat on your...

I confess: My kids are feral. It’s true. At any point, at least one of them is half-naked, barefoot, and probably peeing off the deck. My...

"I never lose. I either win or I learn." Nelson Mandela We have taken on a big endeavor here at the ranch. A completely new enterprise....

To The Mama's She sees them. Their smiles of pure innocent joy. The pride they feel when they accomplish something. The face they make...

When people do things differently than the way you’re doing it, are they doing it wrong? The answer is, maybe not. List some of the...

Five reasons you should have a mentor/s: 1) Good mentors see things holistically. They can help you step back and see the “big picture”...

We took on a little summer project bringing in custom grazing stockers. There have been a few learning experiences, but overall it's...

You can be a hard worker and good natured at the same time. The two don't have to be mutually exclusive. If you're waiting until the work...

It's the season of 4,000 children. Seriously. Between my sisters and I, we have eight children ages five and under. 😳 It has been all...

We get so stuck in the day to day and "busy-ness" of our lives that sometimes we create our own additional stress. Sometimes the...

I'm going to call this one "The Babysitter". I have been M.I.A. from Ranch Table Talks for awhile. Hoofta. The only analogy I can think...

This picture was taken April 10, 2023. Look at that grass! We are so very blessed. If we can get moisture this spring and summer, we will...

Why is succession planning and communication important? Many would say that it’s so your family doesn’t fall apart after you die. I would...

I'm going to go out on a limb and say I don't think this one is going to make the cut as an arena steer this year. He has really been...

Our horses aren't fancy. They don't have recognizable pedigrees. We didn't spend a lot of money on them. And yet, they are priceless....

We take a very hands off approach to calving on our ranch. Our philosophy is to let nature take its course, with as little human...